Primary Care Coding Alert

Depth and Size Matter for Excision Codes Come 2010

Coders need to distinguish between subcutaneous vs. subfascial cuts. If you've been stuck before on choosing excision codes because it just won't fit between radical excisions or skin lesion codes, CPT 2010 will make your work easier and more specific with a slew of new codes targeted at specifying the depth and size of the family physician's work. Watch out for terms "subcutaneous" and "subfascial," because this will mean greater specificity for you and your payers. Documenting the size of the excision will also help you avoid reporting lesser codes and therefore smaller payouts. Check out these new codes and be prepared to start reporting them for 2010. Learn New Codes for Face and Scalp Excision As of Jan. 1, you will have four new face and scalp tumor excision codes to add to your arsenal. They are: • 21011 -- Excision, tumor, soft tissue of face or scalp, subcutaneous; less [...]
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